Searching for the right balance between the highs and lows of diabetes

8 keys to my diabetes success.

How is your diabetes?

That’s a loaded question, but it’s one that I get asked all the time. Like my diabetes is a pet or a sibling or something.

The last time I was asked “How is your diabetes?”, I started to reflect on the incredible number of ways that people have helped me over the years. And I got a picture clearer than ever before that this really is a team game, and I have so many to thank for any success I’ve achieved.

So, without further ado, here are 8 things that have been keys to my diabetes success:1. My endocrinologist. She did a terrific job of getting me ready to begin life on an insulin pump eight years ago. I can’t believe it’s actually been eight years. Along the way, she’s helped me make little changes that have added up to big benefits, at least in terms of A1c numbers and avoiding dangerous highs and lows.

2. Diabetes technology. While we’re at it, where would I be without my pump and my continuous glucose monitor (CGM)? After hating it at first, I’ve come to rely on my CGM as the truth teller of what my glucose is doing throughout my day. It’s also alerted me to dangerous lows before they became a problem. That’s the first time I’ve written that, because I like the idea of handling things myself. But I have to give credit where credit is due… my Dexcom has been worth the cost so far.

3. #DSMA. The fastest hour of the week happens every Wednesday night at 9:00 eastern time here in the USA. Whether I’m a participant or moderator, I still get a kick out of the inside jokes, the GIFs, and other shenanigans that take place in addition to the diabetes-themed questions and answers during the weekly get-together.

4. Writers. Let’s add diabetes podcasters in there, because I like podcasts too. Part subject matter experts, part editorial pundits, part inspirational advocates, the people who take to the internet to write and podcast the latest and greatest (or worst) about this disease are changing lives, and saving them too.

5. Friends. I don’t think I can begin to count all the times my diabetes friends have helped me with something I wanted to know, wanted to figure out how to do, or needed to avert disaster. I did the first arm insertion of my CGM at a conference after being shown how to do it by someone else. I’ve been lucky enough to sit at a table (like the proverbial fly on the wall) and watch movers and shakers discuss policy and outcomes. I had not one, not two, but three people save my ass when I was in London without an inserter for my pump infusion set. I am so grateful for this and so much more that my friends have provided over the years.

6. Product and Software Developers. Ever-slimmer CGM sensors and hybrid closed loop insulin pumps. Open source software that actually closes the loop for people who have the right equipment and a little know how. Data platforms where our information can securely reside, for ourselves and our health care team to see. I’m not seeing this kind of effort or these kind of results positively affecting any other patient community.

7. Clinical Trial Participants. I haven’t talked about them much around here for a while. But clinical trial participants make a lot of the new technology and drugs we see even better by bravely stepping forward and agreeing to see necessary research through to its necessary conclusion. They provide more than just a body or a number for researchers… they provide valuable insight into what works and what doesn’t, and any product or software developer worth their salt should pay heed when that insight is shared.

8. Insurance Companies and Prescription Providers. Just kidding… did you really think I would include those two in a “Best of” list? I’ll tell you what… let’s make this last one the Diabetes Online Community. The DOC saved me once before, and I can give you a few pointed examples of lives young and old that were positively impacted by this vibrant and wonderful group of souls from around the world.

For better or worse, those are my 8 keys to diabetes successes. What are yours?

A Disclaimer

I have no medical training. If you consider anything written here as medical, legal, financial, or any other kind of advice, you’re out of your mind. Please speak to a learned professional before making any changes that might affect your health. Any of the original content found on this site is my property and should not be reproduced, copied, or otherwise used without the author’s expressed written consent.